Non-digestible sugar-coated products and process

ABSTRACT

A method and composition are provided for coating a component to achieve colon-targeted delivery. A component is coated with a fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate such as a inulin, fructo-oligosaccharide or neosugar. The coated component is orally administered to a monogastric animal. The non-digestible coating causes the composition to pass through the stomach and small intestine without being degraded, and delivers the component to the colon where the coating is digested by microbial fermentation and the component is released.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/456,825, filed Aug. 11, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/090,077, filed Apr. 19, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/686,129, filed Oct. 14, 2003, which is a continuation of international application PCT/US02/12323, filed Apr. 17, 2002, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/284,389 filed Apr. 17, 2001. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

This invention is directed to methods and compositions for colon-targeted delivery of components. Fructan is a non-structural carbohydrate and is a polymer of fructose. Fructans have a general structure of a glucose linked to multiple fructose units. There are several types of fructans present in nature, and they can broadly be divided into 3 groups: inulins, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and neosugars.

Inulin is a poly-disperse fructan extracted from plants, including chicory root, asparagus shoot, banana, dandelion, garlic, globe artichoke, Jerusalem artichoke, leek, onion, rye, salsify, and wheat, that has not been digested enzymatically by inulinase. The chemical structure of inulin is shown in FIG. 1. GF_(n) is a glucose ending fructan chain, and n represents chain length. Inulin has a degree of polymerization (DP) in the approximate range of 2 to 60 units of P (2-1) fructose with a glucosyl terminus. The average DP is greater than 10 units.

Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) is partially hydrolyzed inulin with a DP in the approximate range of 2 to 20 units of P (2-1) fructose with either a glucosyl or a fructosyl terminus. The average DP is less than 10 units. Chemical structures of glucose ending fructan chains (GF_(n)) and fructose ending chains (F_(n)) are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Inulin is hydrolyzed with inulinase, for example, to produce fructo-oligosaccharides.

Neosugars are fructo-oligosaccharides that can be prepared, for example, by an enzymatic reaction using sucrose and the enzyme fructosyltransferase from an organism such as Aspergillus niger. The chemical structure of neosugar is shown in FIG. 3. Neosugars have DP in the approximate range of 2 to 4 units of P (2-1) fructose with a glucosyl terminus. The average DP is about 2 to 3 units. Collectively, inulin, FOS, and neosguars are referred to herein as fructans.

Fructans are currently used as an animal feed supplement, mixed with the animal feed. Fructans are found in the feed of monogastric animals, including poultry, turkey, swine, dog, cat, horse, and bovine calf diets. (Bovine calves begin their development as monogastric mammals). Fructans are also added to food and drink for human consumption. As an oral supplement, fructans have been shown to improve weight gain, reduce fecal odor, reduce colon cancer, lower blood triglycerides, increase mineral uptake, and promote a healthy gastrointestinal system.

Fructans are essentially “non-digestible” by monogastrics; they are not digested in the stomach or small intestines. Consequently, the fructan-coated components of the instant invention are not digested in the stomach of monogastric mammals and pass directly to the colon where the fructan is fermented by organisms residing in the colon. As fructan-fermenting bacteria grow, there is a concomitant decrease in the concentrations of putrefactive bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens and Salmonella, which are widely known to produce malodorous aromatic metabolites. Bacteria that utilize fructans as a source of energy include beneficial bacteria in the genus of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Non-digestible ingredients, such as fructans, that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of bacteria in the colon that can improve host health and known as “prebiotics”.

Wang et al. (Journal of Applied Bacteriology, 75:373-380, 1993) looked at mixed populations of colonic bacteria in a batch culture grown on inulin, fructo-oligosaccharide, polydextrose and starch. The type of carbohydrate used in each batch culture had no effect on total aerobic, anaerobic or Bacteriodes counts. Bifidobacteria counts were 5 to 13 times higher with batch cultures grown on fructo-oligosaccharide and inulin then polydextrose and starch. The coliform counts were 8 to 630 times lower with batch cultures grown on inulin and fructo-oligosaccharide than polydextrose and starch. Lactobacillus counts were 316-1,000 times lower in batch cultures when inulin was used as a substrate than fructo-oligosaccharide, starch and polydextrose.

In order for inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides to affect the microbial population in the colon, they must first pass through the stomach and small intestine. Samples taken from the ileum of humans receiving diets containing inulin or fructo-oligosaccharides have been shown to exhibit an 89% and 88% recovery respectfully (Ellegard et al., European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 51:1-5, 1997). Similarly, humans receiving Neosugar in their diet have been shown to exhibit an 89% recovery in ileal samples taken (Molis et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 64:324-328, 1996). The fraction of fructan that is not recovered is digested in the gastrointestinal tract and then absorbed as glucose or fructose. The digestion may have occurred in the ileum via bacterial fermentation or by acid digestion in the stomach (Simon et al., Gastroenterology, 86:174-193, 1984). In vitro studies have shown that fructans and inulin are hydrolyzed at a low rate and a very low pH (Nilsson et al., Journal of Nutrition, 86:1482-1486, 1988).

Once the fructans reach the colon, they are fermented completely by the microbial flora. (Jenkins et al., Journal of Nutrition, 129:1431S-1433S, 1999). With fermentation of the fructans in the colon, changes occur to the microbial flora. Most notably, the Bifidobacteria sp., has been shown to increase 5 to 63 fold (Djouzi et al., British Journal of Nutrition, 78:313-324, 1997). A review by Loo et al. (British Journal of Nutrition, 81:121-132, 1999) of ten trials studying the increase in Bifidobacteria sp. in the colon of humans receiving inulin or fructo-oligosaccharide in their diets showed a statistically significant increase in Bifidobacteria sp. The average for the nine trials was an 11.8-fold increase in Bifidobacteria sp. with a high of a 22-fold increase. Other changes that were observed in colonic populations of humans receiving inulin and fructo-oligosaccharide include the significant decrease in Bacteriodes sp. and/or Clostridia sp. (Gibson et al., Journal of Nutrition, 125:1401-1412,1995; Kleessen et al. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 65:1397-1402,1997).

The increase of Bifidobacteria has been shown to be correlated to a dose response to fructan addition to the diet. Studies have shown that humans subjects exhibit no increase in Bifidobacteria sp. until their diet contains 10 grams of Neosugar per day (Bouhnik et al., Journal of Nutrition, 129:113-116, 1999). A review by Roberfroid et al. (Journal of Nutrition, 128:11-19,1998) combined data for inulin, fructo-oligosaccharide and Neosugar and concluded that log increases in counts do not correlate to daily doses administered. One variable considered to correlate with increases was the initial number of Bifidobacteria in the feces. It appeared that the lower the initial number, the greater the increase whatever the dose, within the range of 4 to 20 or more grams per day. Consuming a few grams of any of these fructans daily could be sufficient to cause a significant increase in colonic Bifidobacteria.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method and composition are disclosed for coating a component to achieve colon-directed delivery. The invention includes coating a component with a non-digestible composition, such as a fructan, to produce a feed supplement. The coated component, a non-digestible coated composition, is administered to a monogastric animal, where the non-digestible coated composition passes through the stomach and small intestine without being degraded, and is delivered to the colon where the coating is digested and the component is released. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indigestible coating is fructan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the chemical structure of inulin.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show chemical structures of fructo-oligosaccharides.

FIG. 3 shows the chemical structure of neosugar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method and composition for coating a component for delivery targeted to the colon of an animal. It is often desirable to deliver components, such as drugs, vitamins, minerals, metabolites, beneficial bacteria, and other molecules, to the colon of an animal without subjecting the component to the acids and digestive enzymes of the stomach and small intestine.

Administration by conventional means, including oral, intravenous, percutaneous, or other known delivery methods, generally results in reduced bioavailability of the component. Degradation or alteration of the component by digestive enzymes and/or low pH may occur in the stomach and small intestine when conventional oral preparations are used, reducing or inactivating the therapeutic activity of the component.

Intravenous and percutaneous administration generally requires a large dosage, sufficient to ensure that the desired level of the component reaches the colon. Such routes of administration are generally not suitable for components such as beneficial bacteria and many vitamins, minerals and metabolites.

Drugs can be targeted to the colon by coating the drug formulations with polymeric coatings, such as acrylic acid derivatives or cellulose derivatives, that can withstand both low and slightly basic pH values for several hours. A disadvantage of this targeting method is the uncertainty of location and environment in which the polymeric coating will be degraded. The delay in coating degradation is based on the amount of time spent in a particular pH environment. If the coated drug is delayed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as for mechanical reasons, the drug may be released in a non-target location, such as the small intestine.

The present invention provides a safe and effective method and composition for targeting components specifically to the colon based on the presence or absence of bacteria that degrade a prebiotic, such as fructan. The components to be administered are coated with a prebiotic that is not digested in the stomach or small intestine, but that is degraded by bacteria present in the colon, especially of monogastric animals. As used herein, “prebiotic” is intended to mean a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, that can improve host health. Oligosaccharides such as inulin, fructo-oligosaccharide and neosugar, which cannot be digested except through bacterial activity, are considered prebiotics. Many other carbohydrates can be considered prebiotics, for example, those listed in Table 1. Other ingredients that reach the colon undigested and can be considered prebiotics include peptides, proteins, and lipids.

Criteria for classifying a substance as a prebiotic may include:

-   1. Not hydrolyzed or absorbed in the upper part of the     gastro-intestinal tract. -   2. Selectively fermented by potentially beneficial bacteria in the     colon. -   3. Alters the composition of the colonic microbial flora towards a     healthier composition. -   4. Preferably, induces effects that are beneficial to the host     health.

Many bacteria can utilize fructans for growth. These include lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp., which are considered probiotics.

Many bacteria, such as, Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. cannot utilize fructans for growth.

As used herein, “non-digestible” is intended to mean that a substance taken orally is substantially resistant to chemical and enzymatic degradation in the stomach and small intestine, but is susceptible to degradation in the colon.

As used herein, “monogastric” is intended to encompass any animal having one stomach. Examples of monogastric animals include, but are not limited to, horses, emu, ostrich, dog, cat, swine, bear, turkey, chickens, ducks, quail, pheasants, reptiles, and humans. Pre-ruminant animals such as young cattle, buffalo, bison, and elk are also encompassed by the term monogastric as these animals are bom monogastric and then 15 develop into true ruminants as adults.

Additionally, the compositions and methods of the present invention are suitable for any animal that breaks down fructose-based oligosaccharide selectively in a specific part of the gastrointestinal tract. Breakdown of a fructose-based oligosaccharide generally requires the presence of bacteria capable of fermenting the oligosaccharides, 20 such as those from the genus Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. The compositions of the invention can be selectively delivered to the colon by administration of the coated composition to any animal having fructan-fermenting bacteria present in at least part of their digestive tract. For those animals having insufficient Fructan-fermenting bacteria in their digestive tract, Fructan digesting bacteria can be optionally added along with the diet.

TABLE 1 Candidate Prebiotic Carbohydrates Oligosaccharide Chemical Composition Fructo-oligosaccharide β (2-1) fructan with degrees of polymerization ranging from 2-20 units and has an average degrees of polymerization of 2 to 10 Inulin β (2-1) fructan with degrees of polymerization ranging from 2-60 units and has an average degrees of polymerization greater than 10 Neosugar β (2-1) fructan with degrees of polymerization ranging from 2-4 units and has an average degrees of polymerization from about 2 to about 3 Polydextrins Complex mixture of glucose-containing Oligosaccharide Trans-galactosylated Mainly 6′galactosyllactose, DP of oligosaccharide fraction 2-5 oligosaccharides (primarily DP 3); 55% pure Galacto-oligosaccharides Oligogalactose (85%), small amounts of glucose, galactose, and lactose Soya oligosaccharides Stachyose (fructose, galactose, galactose, glucose) and raffinose (fructose, galactose, glucose), DP 3-4 Xylo-oligosaccharides B (1-4) linked xylose; 70% pure, DP of oligosaccharide fraction is 2-4 Isomalto-oligosaccharides Mixture of a (1-6) linked glucose oligomers (isomaltose, panose, isomaltotriose) Lactulose Galactose and fructose-containing disaccharide

As used herein, “component” is intended to encompass any compound, molecule composition, or organism that is to be coated and delivered to the colon in the method of the invention. Examples include, but are not limited to, minerals, vitamins, drugs, bacteria, yeast, immune stimulators, nutrients, nutraceuticals, electrolytes, chelated minerals, molds, enzymes, energy-providing compounds, antibodies, and acids.

Minerals for colon-targeted delivery include, but are not limited to, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, organic trace minerals, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, sulfur, zinc, and the like. Vitamins include, but are not limited to, vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, K, betaine, biotin, choline, folic acid, inositol, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, etc. Drugs include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, anti-viral agents, anti-mold agents, bloat preventatives, coccidiostats, growth enhancers, vaccines, wormers, chemotherapy agents, anti-tumor agents, insulin, etc. Examples of suitable drugs include Aureomycin 90, Aureomix 500, BMD 60, ChloMax-SP 500, Denagard 10, Lincomix 50, Mecadoxl0, Neo-Terramycin 50/50, Pulmotil 90, Tylan 100, and 3-Nitro20.

Bacteria to be introduced into the colon include any beneficial bacteria, including, but not limited to, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacteroides amylophilus, Bacteroides capillosus, Bacteroides ruminocola, Bacteroides suis, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium thermophilum, Entercoccus cremoris, Entercoccus diacetilactis, Entercoccus faecium, Entercoccus intermedius, Entercoccus lactis, Entercoccus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus delbruekii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus cerevisiae, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Pripionibacterium freudenreichii, Propionibacterium sherimanii, Streptococcus cremoris, Streptococcus diacetilactis, Streptococcus faecium, Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus lactis, and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Yeast include, but are not limited to, Saccharomyces sp. and Candida sp., more specifically Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida utilis. Immune stimulators include, but not limited to, mannose-oligosaccharide and beta-glucan. Nutrients include, but are not limited to, amino acids such as arginine, glycine, lysine, methionine, taurine, threonine and tryptophan, peptides such as insulin, proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, bone meal, grains, egg, fats and oils, feather meal, fish meal, plant and animal byproducts, plasma, poultry byproducts, whey, and the like.

Nutraceuticals include, but are not limited to, spices, essential oils, soy products and natural extractives such as alfalfa, angelica, anise, basil, bay leaf, calendula, 10 camomile, caraway, cardamom, carrot, cayenne pepper, chicory, celery seed, chives, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, dandelion, dill, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, glycyrrhiza, habanero pepper, horehound, horsemint, horseradish, hyssop, gentian, ginger, ginseng, juniper, kava, lemon balm, lemon grass, licorice, marjoram, melissa, mustard, nutmeg, nettle, onion, oregano, parsley, pepper, peppermint, raspberry, rosemary, rue, savory, spearmint, tarragon, thyme, and vanilla.

Nutraceuticals also include, but are not limited to, herbs such as Boneset or Feverwort (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), Devil's Claw Root (Harpagophytum procumb ens), Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Golden Rod (Solidago virgaurea), pot Marigold (Calencula officinalis), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Monk's Pepper or Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), Nettle (Urtica dioicea), Red Poppy Seed (Papaver rhoeas), Raspberry leaves (Rubidus idaeus), Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), and Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus).

Electrolytes include, but are not limited to, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Chelated minerals include, but are not limited to, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, chromium and magnesium bound to a protein or carbohydrate source. Examples include, but are not limited to, Alfamin® from RK Marketing Enterprises, Inc. (Waconia, Minn.) and SQM from Quali Tech Inc. (Chaska, Minn.). Other companies that produce chelated minerals include Albion Laboratories, Inc. (Clearfield, Utah), Zinpro Corporation (Eden Prairie, Minn.) and Chelated Minerals (Ogden, Utah). Molds include, but are not limited to, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae. Enzymes include, but are not limited to, cellulase, hemicellulase, anylase, phytase, and ligninase. Energy- providing compounds include, but are not limited to, sugars such as glucose, sucrose, fructose, propylene glycol and glucose precursors.

Antibodies include, but are not limited to, those reactive with specific bacteria and viruses and those reactive with broad classes of bacteria and viruses. Acids include, but are not limited to, citric acid, lactic acid, and acetic acid. Additionally, other components, including emulsifiers and surfactants, acidifiers, buffers, dietary fiber, flavoring agents, attractants, flow and anti-caking agents, grit, kelp meal, algae, molasses, pigments, preservatives, antioxidants mold inhibitors, sweeteners, urea, yucca products, and other components, can be coated by the method of the invention for colon-targeted delivery.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the fructan coating is used to mask or cover-up an otherwise unpalatable component. Examples of unpalatable components include, but are not limited to, ammonium chloride, calcium sulphate, magnesium chloride, propylene glycol, drugs, vitamins, and other ingestible compositions. In this instance, the Fructan coating is provided to provide a more organoleptic composition.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the fructan coating is used to prevent or minimize the release of components that may be disruptive or harmful to the stomach or small intestine. For example, chemotherapy and anti-tumor agents directed to a tumor in the colon may cause undesirable effects if released in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The coating of the present invention can also be used to improve the flowing characteristics of a component. This is especially beneficial for components that are sticky, powdery, viscous, etc. in their uncoated state.

The coating can be applied by conventional methods, including freeze-drying, spray-coating, mixing, agglomeration, and combining a rapid centrifugal application of liquid and powder to create a thin film polymer coating using a rotary disc type liquid/powder applicator.

In one embodiment, the component to be delivered to the colon is coated with fructan using a rotary driven disc system. The component can be in the form of pellets, tablets, pieces, nuggets, crumbles, and the like, that may be of any size, and may be regular or irregular in shape. The pellets may be, for example, in the approximate size range of 10 microns to 100 microns in diameter. In this system, the pellets are dropped on the disc as it rotates. This rotation carries the pellet out to the chamber wall by centrifugal force. As the pellet is turned by mixing blades mounted on the chamber walls, powdered fructan and liquid or a mixture of the fructan and liquid are introduced into the chamber. Liquid, such as water or a mixture of water and fructan, is atomized by the high-speed disc into ultra-fine particles that are applied to the pellets. The process results in a thin film coating of the carbohydrate on the component pellets.

Probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacteria sp. are known for their ability to ferment fructans while Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. cannot. In the colon, this positive change in the microbial population leads to a healthier intestinal tract which improves immune response, weight gain, feed efficiency, nitrogen retention, mineral absorption and increased short-chain fatty acids production. Other positive benefits include reduced colonization of the intestinal tract by enteric bacteria, reduced diarrhea, reduced stomach upsets, firmer feces and an increased energy source for hyperglycemic animals such as dogs, cats and veal calves.

The chain length of the fructan is fermented differently by different species of probiotic bacteria. The longer DP fructan is fermented half as fast as fructans with shorter DP. A coating composition having a longer chain length such as inulin may be well suited for a positive prebiotic effect throughout the colon. Fructo-oligosaccharide and Neosugar are considered a shorter DP fructans, and may be well suited for quick delivery to the colon. Combinations can produce a variety of degradation effects, as desired.

Pure cultures of different species of Bifidobacteria have been shown to have different growth rates when grown on fructo-oligosaccharide. In other studies mixed cultures of Bifidobacterium infantis, Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens grown on fructo-oligosaccharide have shown an inhibitory effect towards Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens.

The favorable effects of soluble fiber for diabetes mellitus may also be favorable for veal calves. Veal calves in late fatting periods often develop hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and insulin resistance with high lactose intakes. Kaufhold et al. (Journal of Veterinary Medicine 47(1): 17-29, 2000) has reported higher weight gains in veal calves receiving fructo-oligosaccharide. The study also showed calves receiving fructo-oligosaccharide had a lower post-prandially increase in glucose and higher insulin concentrations. They concluded that fructo-oligosaccharide has similar endocrine traits in veal calves as in humans with diabetes mellitus. Mul (“Application of Oligosaccharides in Animal Feeds”, in Proceedings: International Symposium on Non Digestible Oligosaccharides: Health Food for the Colon?, Wagneningen, Netherlands, 1997) reported on field trials by Trouw Nutrition from 1990-1992 with veal calves. The majority of the field trials showed improved weight gain (0.8-2.4 kg), improved feed efficiency (3-14%), reduction in diarrhea incidence, and on average firmer feces. In one reported trial, higher weight gains were observed when a probiotic was used in combination with fructo-oligosaccharide.

The amount of the component to be administered will vary depending on the desired effect to be achieved, and depending on the species, age, sex, physical condition, disease state, disease progression, etc., of the subject receiving the component. When the component is a drug, the amount administered will also depend on the drug's efficacy. In general, it would be expected that the dosage of drug required to achieve a particular result, and delivered directly to the colon, will be less than the dosage required for intravenous, conventional oral or other systemic delivery.

EXAMPLE 1 Coated Polypropylene Glycol in Dairy Cows

In this coating trial, the propylene glycol product (Glycopulp) was coated with FOS (bioSecureTM) as the coating agent. The use of propylene glycol as a glucogenic supplement for dairy cows during the transition phase from the middle of the dry period through the first 21 days of lactation is known. However, the addition of propylene glycol to the total mixed ration (TMR) is known to decrease feed intake.

The propylene glycol product (Glycopulp) was masked with a feed flavor, and coated with FOS as the coating agent. The drying agent was chicory pulp and the flavoring agent was Milk Buds™ F.S.

Glycopulp is a blend of chicory pulp (1mm screen) and feed grade propylene glycol in a ratio of 55:45 (WAV). The Glycopulp was supplied by Socode S.C. (Warcoing, Belgium). Chicory pulp (1 mm screen) was used as a drying agent during the coating process. The FOS used as the coating agent was suspended in water prior to coating.

The flavoring agent, Milk Buds™ F.S. (Lot No. 8176) was supplied by QualiTech (Chaska Minnesota, Product Code 2741). The flavoring agent can be added to feed, for example, at a rate of about 0.25-4 ounces per ton of finished feed. In this 15 trial, a rate of approximately 2 ounces per ton of finished feed was used. The flavoring agent was suspended in water with the FOS prior to coating.

Coating Process

Engineered Technology Systems, Inc. (ETS, Gilroy, Calif.) offers coating equipment to the agricultural seed market sector, manufactured food industries and pharmaceutical industry. The approach to the ETS line of coating systems is the rapid application of liquid and powder materials to create a thin film polymer coating, buildup coating or spherical pellet. The system “coats” products by centrifugal force as the product travels rapidly around the stator (bowl) via the movement of a rotor. The rotor is the bottom end of the equipment that moves the product by centrifugal force. The atomizer sits slightly above the rotor. The atomizer is a small spinning disk through which liquids are pumped via peristaltic pumps at precise rates. When liquids hit the atomizer the liquids are atomized into small particles that are projected onto the materials being moved around the stator. Powders can be injected into the coating equipment at any time during the process to allow a “build-up” process to form around a nucleolus (nucleolus being the product coated). The equipment achieves all of these functions by computerized controls that monitor and provide operator feedback. The entire coating process is a controlled semi-continuous system where a known amount of material is coated at one time. The production rate of each coating run takes only seconds to achieve the desired product.

Trial 1

The proportions of components used for this trial are found in the table below. Three hundred twenty grams of polyethylene glycol (Glycopulp) was placed into the drum of the ETS R-12 rotary coater. The moving rotor was turned on and it was determined that the sample adequately flowed in the equipment to be coated. Thirty-two milliliters of Stock Solution A (FOS and water) was applied to the rotating Glycopulp. After applying Stock Solution A, 17.5 grams of chicory pulp (1 mm screen size) was applied as a drying agent. Drying can also be achieved by low temperature air.

Trial One, No Flavor Added

Item Amount Stock Solution A: BioSecure FOS 11 grams Water 2 liters Glycopulp 320 grams Chicory Pulp 17.6 grams

Trial 2

The proportions of components used for this trial are found in the table below.

Trial Two, Flavor Added

Item Amount Stock Solution B: BioSecure FOS 11 grams Milk Buds 1.2 mis Water 2 liters Glycopulp 320 grams Chicory Pulp 17.6 grams

Three hundred twenty grams of Glycopulp was placed into the drum of the ETS R-12 rotary coater. The moving rotor was turned on and it was determined that the sample adequately flowed in the equipment to be coated. Thirty-two milliliters of Stock Solution B (FOS, flavor agent, and water) was applied to the rotating Glycopulp. After applying Stock Solution B, 17.5 grams of chicory pulp (1mm screen size) was applied as a drying agent. Drying can also be achieved by low temperature air.

The source of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) in bioSecure™ FOS is derived from chicory roots. Chicory roots are a natural source of inulin; a carbohydrate made up of fructose polymers (fructan). The fructan cannot be metabolized by monogastrics, which lack the enzyme inulinase. Consequently, fructan passes on to the lower intestine where it is fermented by lactic acid producing bacteria such as Bifidobacterium. Gram negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli are unable to ferment or grow on fructan; thereby a natural selection will take place promoting beneficial bacteria in the lower intestine.

The following analysis of bioSecure™ FOS is exemplary only. As inulin and fructo-oligosaccharide are natural products, their exact composition will vary from crop to crop and from year to year. Additionally, the enzymatic breakdown of inulin with inulinase can vary. Neosugars are produced by an enzymatic reaction and can also vary in the end result.

Analysis of BioSecure™ FOS

% Item Dry Matter 95 Carbohydrate 99.9 Content Ash 0.1 Carbohydrates Free Sugars 8.2 Glucose 0.7 Fructose 2.9 Sucrose 4.6 DP DP 1-10 41.1 DP 11-20 30.0 DP 21-30 17.5 DP 31-40 7.7 DP 41-50 206 DP 51-60 1 DP 3-20 61.8 Average DP_(n) 6.6 Average DP_(n) = The average degrees of polymerization of the product.

Specifications of BioSecure™ FOS

Analysis Specification Results Dry Matter (%) 95% Minimum 97.1% Ash (% of DM) 0.5% Maximum 0.1% Carbohydrate content 99.5% Minimum 99.9% (% of DM) Free Sugars (% of DM) 10% Maximum 9.1% Fiber (% of DM) 90% Minimum 90.8% Total Plate Count 10,000 cfu/gm Maximum 110 cfu/gm Yeasts 20 cfu/gm Maximum <10 cfu/gm Molds 20 cfu/gm Maximum <10 cfu/gm Coliforms 0 cfu/gm 0 cfu/gm

Having described the invention, alternatives and embodiments may occur to one of skill in the art. It is intended that such modifications and equivalents shall be included within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of delivering a component to the colon of an animal comprising coating the component with a fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate; and providing the coated component for oral administration to the animal.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate is fructan.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate is fructo-oligosaccharide.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the component comprises Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium bacteria; and one or more of a mineral, vitamin, drug, bacteria, yeast, immune stimulator, nutrient, nutraceutical, electrolyte, chelated mineral, mold, enzyme, energy-providing compound, antibody, or acid.
 5. The method of claim 8 wherein the component is a nutraceutical.
 6. The method of claim 8 wherein the component is an enzyme.
 7. The method of claim 8 wherein the component is an immune stimulator.
 8. The method of claim 8 wherein the component is a drug.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating step comprises applying powdered fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate with a liquid to form a thin film coating on the component.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating step comprises combining the fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate with a liquid to form a mixture and atomizing and spraying the mixture on the component to form a thin film coating on the component.
 11. The method of claim 18 further comprising repeating the step of applying the fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate and liquid mixture to achieve a multi-layered coating.
 12. A coated component made in accordance with the method of claim
 1. 13. A composition for colon-targeted delivery comprising one or more components to be delivered to the colon; and a fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate coating surrounding the component.
 14. The composition of claim 13 wherein the fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate is fructo-oligosaccharide.
 15. The composition of claim 30 wherein the fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate is inulin.
 16. The composition of claim 30 wherein the component is one or more of a mineral, vitamin, drug, bacteria, yeast, immune stimulator, nutrient, nutraceutical, electrolyte, chelated mineral, mold, enzyme, energy-providing compound, antibody, or acid.
 17. A method of masking the flavor of a component to be administered orally to an animal comprising coating the component with combination of a fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate and a flavoring agent.
 18. A method of enhancing the flowability of a component comprising coating the component with a fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate is fructo-oligosaccharide, inulin, or neosugar. 